Question Period Note: NETWORKS OF CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

Why is the Government ending funding for the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program?

• Innovation starts with science.
• That’s why Canada is investing in the discovery research that could lead to the next big breakthrough, attract the world’s most brilliant minds to Canada and help drive our economy.
• The New Frontiers in Research Fund provides support where it matters the most – directly to researchers.
• This new fund supports the higher-risk, higher-reward research that will prepare us for the future.
• Funding for the NCE program will be gradually transitioned to the New Frontiers in Research Fund, doubling the Fund’s budget over the next several years.

SUPPLEMENTARY MESSAGES
• The government recognizes that NCEs have made significant contributions to the research and innovation landscape and the New Frontiers in Research Fund draws on and expands on this rich experience.
• The New Frontiers in Research Fund was established to support science that crosses disciplinary boundaries, encourages international collaboration, and is fast-breaking and higher-risk.
• Researchers can apply for support through the Fund, or through any other granting agency program for which they are eligible. Thanks to historic investments made in Budget 2018, this support is now available at record levels.

Networks of Centres of Excellence Program

In the context of Canada’s historic investment in science and research through Budget 2018, the Government of Canada will transition funding for the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program to the New Frontiers in Research Fund (“the Fund”), launched on December 6, 2018.

The transition of funds from the NCE program to the Fund will occur gradually over the period 2018-19 to 2023-24, to minimize disruption to the NCE community, as follows:
• successful applicants in the recent NCE Classic and Knowledge Mobilization competitions are being awarded full, non-renewable grants;
• networks anticipating a renewal competition this fall were invited to apply for a final three-year grant; and
• currently-funded networks will continue to be funded until the end date of their grants.

The NCE program was established in 1989 and is a tri-agency initiative involving the three federal granting agencies. The program has supported large-scale, academic-led research networks. Researchers collaborate with national and international partners in government, not-for-profit and private sectors (these partners contribute expertise and resources (cash and/or in-kind)). As of November 2019, there are 21 active, funded networks.

Budget 2018 and Creation of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF)
As part of an historic investment in research announced in Budget 2018 and to help streamline and modernize federal support for research, the government established NFRF ($275 million over five years, and $65 million annually ongoing) to support research that is international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and high-risk. NFRF is composed of three streams:
• Exploration generates opportunities to build strength in high-risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research with awards of $250,000 over two years. The second competition is underway with awards to be announced in March 2020.
• Transformation provides large-scale support to build strength and leadership in interdisciplinary and transformative research. The inaugural competition is expected to launch in 2019 with awards at $4M per year for up to six years.
• International will enhance opportunities for Canadian researchers to participate in research with international partners. In July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that $50 million will be available over five years for Canadian researchers to participate in the EU’s Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs. Competition details are under development.
The NCE’s $65 million annual budget is transitioning to NFRF gradually from 2018-19 to 2023-24, to ultimately double the new Fund’s annual budget to $130 million.

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